Silver Jews Unveil Fall Tour

Who? Seasoned country-and-classic-rock outfit Silver Jews, fronted by occasionally hermetic singer/songwriter David Berman. Since 1994’s debut full-length Starlite Walker, Berman has remained the only constant member in a revolving door of lineups that have featured Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, folky Will Oldham, and Berman’s wife, Cassie. Label Drag City just released the Jews’ latest record, the excellent set Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea.

What? A massive 37-date North American tour, supported on select dates by Israeli hellraisers Monotonix. As only the second American outing in Berman’s 20-year career, the tour, set to kick off Aug. 28 in Columbus, OH, will hit cities nationwide before capping with a final show Oct. 12 in Berman’s hometown, Nashville, TN.

Should I Go? Absolutely. In the past, Berman refused to perform live before finally relenting in 2006, and the sheer length of this tour alone suggests the troubadour is now more comfortable in his leading position than ever before. And with Cassie Berman’s June Carter-esque vocals and the twin guitar assault by cohorts Peyton Pinkerton and William Tyler, this tour is not to be missed.